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How to Build a Computer from Scratch: Complete Blueprint

Create Your Own Custom-Built PC

Have you always wanted to build your own computer but lacked the know-how? Would you like to save money on an awesome custom-built computer while learning all about computer architecture along the way? In this course, you'll not only learn how to assemble your very own computer from scratch, but you'll learn all about the functional roles of the various components and hardware that make up a computing system.

Access 51 lectures & 2 hours of content 24/7

Learn about the basic functions of a computer system

Pick out appropriate hardware for your build

Assemble all hardware needed for a fully functional computer

Wire everything within the case like an expert

Install an OS onto a computer

Build a new home or office computer

Matt Thomas is a tech fanatic with a passion for computer hardware and an extensive background in the professional IT field.

Naturally, he's loved tinkering with computers his whole life, building and upgrading various systems along the way. He has acquired a wide variety of skills as a result of his years of experience working with hardware. From setting up extreme performance rigs to cabling new and old infrastructure, he's done it all.

Nothing makes him happier than passing on his expertise onto those out there willing to learn and expand their skill sets. Knowledge should be applicable, understandable, and most importantly, useful. If you take any of his courses, you'll see how detailed he gets in breaking down every idea. You won't miss a thing!

Details & Requirements

Length of time users can access this course: lifetime

Access options: web streaming, mobile streaming

Certification of completion not included

Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase

Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

Internet required

Course Outline

What To Expect and What You Will Take Away

Welcome (0:23)

Benefits of Building Your Own Computer vs. Buying One Pre-built (2:27)

Assessing Your Needs: Start planning for your build

What Will You Demand From Your Computer?

Consider and Set Your Budget (0:56)

Functions of the Machine: How a Computer Works

Learning About Components

Walk-through of a Computer's Inner Hardware (2:27)

The Motherboard (1:11)

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) (1:56)

What Is RAM? (0:54)

The Power Supply (1:08)

Learn About Storage Devices

What is a Dedicated Graphics Card? (1:45)

Optical Drives; Do You Need One?

Optimizing Airflow with Case Fans (1:04)

Hardware review

How to Choose Your Components

Best Sources for Buying Computer Hardware (1:53)

Consider Your Motherboard (2:33)

AMD vs Intel

Choosing your Ideal Motherboard (12:36)

Choosing the Appropriate CPU (5:52)

Finding the Perfect Case (3:25)

Getting the RAM You Need (4:44)

Choosing the Right Storage Device (4:26)

Acquiring a Suitable PSU (3:31)

Optional Components to Consider

Finding the Right Graphics Card for your Needs

Shopping for Your Perfect Graphics Card (3:55)

Aftermarket CPU cooling devices (7:27)

Extra Case Fans (1:48)

Computer Accessories: The functions of I/O devices

Input/Output Devices (1:23)

Finding the Right Monitor

Choosing your Keyboard/Mouse

Acquiring All Tools Needed for Your Build

Time To Start The Build: Install all hardware necessary to run a computer

Advanced Computer Hardware Modifications: Colder and Faster

Colder temperatures, faster storage speed, and performance graphics rendering. They're all crucially important points in computer user experience. Looking to upgrade your computer hardware to achieve any of those points? Here, you'll learn how to do it all.

Matt Thomas is a tech fanatic with a passion for computer hardware and an extensive background in the professional IT field.

Naturally, he's loved tinkering with computers his whole life, building and upgrading various systems along the way. He has acquired a wide variety of skills as a result of his years of experience working with hardware. From setting up extreme performance rigs to cabling new and old infrastructure, he's done it all.

Nothing makes him happier than passing on his expertise onto those out there willing to learn and expand their skill sets. Knowledge should be applicable, understandable, and most importantly, useful. If you take any of his courses, you'll see how detailed he gets in breaking down every idea. You won't miss a thing!

Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure

Explore the Physical Side of Computer Networking

Cabling is one of the fundamentals of the IT world. Whether you're an intern or a Level III Technician, you'll eventually run into a situation that requires you to create and run cable. What seems like an easy task can turn into a real headache if the proper steps aren't executed well. By the end of this course, you'll know network cable wiring inside and out.

Access 21 lectures & over 0.5 hours of content 24/7

Cut & measure ethernet cable wiring

Determine category types

Install RJ45 connectors onto cables

Wire & establish connections w/ jacks/ports

Test & diagnose new/existing connections

Matt Thomas is a tech fanatic with a passion for computer hardware and an extensive background in the professional IT field.

Naturally, he's loved tinkering with computers his whole life, building and upgrading various systems along the way. He has acquired a wide variety of skills as a result of his years of experience working with hardware. From setting up extreme performance rigs to cabling new and old infrastructure, he's done it all.

Nothing makes him happier than passing on his expertise onto those out there willing to learn and expand their skill sets. Knowledge should be applicable, understandable, and most importantly, useful. If you take any of his courses, you'll see how detailed he gets in breaking down every idea. You won't miss a thing!

Details & Requirements

Length of time users can access this course: lifetime

Access options: web streaming, mobile streaming

Certification of completion not included

Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase

Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

Internet required

Course Outline

Introduction to Network Cables: A Look at the basic ideas behind CAT5/CAT6 cables.

Intro to the Uses of Network Cabling (0:47)

A Look into CAT5/CAT6/CAT7 (4:30)

In-depth Look at Networking Cables

Splicing and Examining Inner Wiring (2:00)

RJ45 - Connectors (0:44)

Jacks and Color Coding (A / B) (1:05)

Your Toolbox for Cabling: Learn about all the different tools it takes to do a cabling job

Upgrading Laptop Hardware: Improve Speed, Memory, & Cooling

Discuss the Basics of Laptop Hardware

Laptop hardware is slightly different from an ATX-sized setup and, as a beginner, navigating through laptop internals can be very risky. Yet internal maintenance and upgrades are just as important as software maintenance. There's quite a bit you can do to upgrade your laptop's overall performance. Even if you've never touched hardware before, you'll be able to effectively handle everything presented in this course.

Access 18 lectures & 1 hour of content 24/7

Upgrade to a higher capacity storage device

Improve your RAM chip(s)

Clean & refresh your CPU cooling unit

Swap in an SSD

Improve your machine's performance while also getting to know the ins & outs of how it functions

Matt Thomas is a tech fanatic with a passion for computer hardware and an extensive background in the professional IT field.

Naturally, he's loved tinkering with computers his whole life, building and upgrading various systems along the way. He has acquired a wide variety of skills as a result of his years of experience working with hardware. From setting up extreme performance rigs to cabling new and old infrastructure, he's done it all.

Nothing makes him happier than passing on his expertise onto those out there willing to learn and expand their skill sets. Knowledge should be applicable, understandable, and most importantly, useful. If you take any of his courses, you'll see how detailed he gets in breaking down every idea. You won't miss a thing!

CPU Overclocking: Unlock Your Processor's Hidden Potential

Learn How to Overclock CPU Processor Functions

Overclocking refers to the fundamental process of increasing the processing speed of computer hardware. Ever have your applications or programs freeze or dramatically slow down on you? A very effective way to increase the speed of your computer is by carefully and precisely increasing your CPU's processing frequencies. In this course, you'll learn about everything from processing frequencies to safely testing every modification along the way, making sure your computer remains stable.

Access 12 lectures & over 0.5 hours of content 24/7

Increase application start-up times

Improve audio/video render times

Compile programs & files more efficiently

Create a smoother overall PC performance

Matt Thomas is a tech fanatic with a passion for computer hardware and an extensive background in the professional IT field.

Naturally, he's loved tinkering with computers his whole life, building and upgrading various systems along the way. He has acquired a wide variety of skills as a result of his years of experience working with hardware. From setting up extreme performance rigs to cabling new and old infrastructure, he's done it all.

Nothing makes him happier than passing on his expertise onto those out there willing to learn and expand their skill sets. Knowledge should be applicable, understandable, and most importantly, useful. If you take any of his courses, you'll see how detailed he gets in breaking down every idea. You won't miss a thing!